Today I am sharing 14 of my favorite love, compassion, and Valentine’s Day themed picture books. I really enjoy searching for excellent, beautiful and just plain enjoyable picture books. I order batches at a time from my local library and then pop in every other week to pick up huge, heavy stacks of books. My husband reads the books, too- commenting on the ones that made a particular impression on him. (There’s one of those favorites in today’s list!) I have been so excited for this post that I considered sharing it two weeks ago!!
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Board Books
Huggy Kissy by Leslie Patricelli. I don’t know what it is about Leslie Patricelli’s board books, but I crack up when I read them. Besides being humorous, they are simple and bright, and keep Stomp’s attention(!). This one is about the different kinds of kisses given by family members.
*Not related to Valentine’s Day or the theme of “love”, but just another family favorite by Patricelli, is Baby HAPPY Baby Sad. If you’ve got a baby or toddler in your home, check out these board books.
The Way I Love You by David Bedford & Ann James. This was originally recommended to me by my local children’s librarian. It’s a charming description of the friendship between a toddler and her dog. Love and feelings in general can be a big concept for little people, but this makes the idea of expressing love a bit more relatable.
Lilly’s Chocolate Heart by Kevin Henkes. We were originally introduced to Kevin Henkes via his delightful book Chrysanthemum. When I saw that he wrote this board book, I was excited to check it out! Sure enough, his expressive illustrations and humorous text made this book fun for both mama and baby alike. Lilly is looking for a place to store the last of her Valentine’s Day candy. After searching high and low for just the right spot, she puts it in just the same place I would have chosen. Very cute.
Short Picture Books:
The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson. This book is best sung, as it is written to the tune of “Oh my darling, Clementine”. It would be hard to read it without singing- it’s catchy! Sometimes rhyming books, especially those about love and Valentine’s Day, can be saccharine, trite, or overly simplified. This one is none of those things. I found it to be creative and enjoyable. I especially like the illustrations.
The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond: My girls found this book to be totally inspirational! As soon as I finished reading it, they ran to their art shelf and immediately began making valentine cards. It’s a story about a little girl who collects hearts from a rainfall, then turns them into valentine’s cards in a thoughtful and personal way. It’s a lovely story that demonstrates trying to make others feel special.
Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting: A charming story beautifully illustrated by the exceptionally talented Jan Brett. Mrs. Bear and Mr. Bear wake from their winter slumber to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. This books demonstrates romantic love in a simple, satisfying manner.
I Love you, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt: This imaginative book is fun to read over and over again. In fact, Wiggle liked it so much that she asked for it multiple times a day for two weeks! She enjoyed pretending to be like the ferocious dinosaur and wanted me to call her Stinky Face, too! This book is all about how the little boy’s mama loves her son unconditionally, no matter what he looks (or smells) like, no matter what. This book is a treat for everyone, but is not to be missed if you have a little boy in your home.
Mr. Goat’s Valentine: A new one by Eve Bunting with bright digital illustrations by Kevin Zimmer. Another book especially good for little boys and their loving mama! Mr. Goat searches for the perfect yucky treat to say “you’re special” to his First Love. My girls laughed and laughed!
Longer Picture Books:
The Legend of the Valentine: An Inspirational Story of Love and Reconciliation by Katherine Grace Bond: The only selection in this category actually discussing Valentine’s Day. It is set during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and depicts a brave little boy who attends a newly desegregated school. Some of the children are cruel, but the boy chooses to both forgive and show love to his tormentors, just as Jesus did. Published by Zondervan (Zonderkidz).
Bear Hugs by Karma Wilson: The subtitle says it all: “Romantically ridiculous animal rhymes”. This silly book of love-themed poetry will entertain everyone. My favorite was about the wallflower porcupine and her perfect match. Definitely check this one out!
Someone for Mr. Sussman was written by one of my favorite picture book author/illustrators, Patricia Polacco. It is the story of a matchmaker trying to find a match for a persnickety older gentleman, told from the perspective of the matchmaker’s grandson. The illustrations are wonderful and expressive. The story line is charming and funny- definitely not the typical love story. I read the library book aloud three times in two days because I liked it so much, and then bought it for our home library!
Mrs. Katz and Tush: Another selection by Patricia Polacco. A young man befriends a lonely widow and forges a lifelong bond. A beautiful example of both compassion and intergenerational friendship. Notice for young listeners: this story deals with loss of loved ones and mentions a funeral. I read this to my three year old without hesitation, but you may want to preview it.
Boxes for Katje: My husband pulled this gem by Candace Fleming from the library stack several days before I did. He really loved it, reminding me to read it to the girls several times before I finally had an opportunity. It’s a wonderful true story about how one person’s generosity helped so many in post-war Holland. It was a moving example of sharing hope- I highly recommend it. This book is an excellent choice any time of year, but it’s nice to read right now as an example of showing kindness to strangers.
A Kiss for Little Bear: This is actually an early reader, so if you have young elementary children in your home, they may be able to read it to you! If you haven’t experienced Else Homelund Minarik’s Little Bear books, illustrated by the talented Maurice Sendak, just go ahead and get all of them now. This one is about a kiss that Little Bear’s grandmother sends him, via courier, that gets mixed up and results in a wedding. It’s just adorable. The illustrations are wonderful.
What about you? What are some of your favorite books to read for Valentine’s Day? Have you read any of the ones on this list? Can’t wait to hear from you!
